Residua of thoracic trauma

While most residua of thoracic trauma are obvious, tracheal stenosis, aneurysm of the aortic arch and diaphragmatic hernia are easily overlooked. They may be asymptomatic and may go undetected until the occurrence of life-threatening consequences. Therefore, these three conditions must be thought of and ruled out during the management and follow-up observation of all patients who have trauma to the chest. Surgeons participating in the management of thoracic trauma must anticipate, prevent when possible, diagnose early and treat any of the residua that can, and often do, result.